Definition

An item or material that is added to something to make it more rigid or firm, like a support beam or starch used in clothing.

Example

The tailor used a stiffener to keep the collar of the shirt looking sharp.

Conversation

Have you ever used a stiffener for your shirts?

Yeah, I tried it once, and it really helped keep the collar in shape.

I should get some for mine; they always look a bit limp after washing.

Definitely! It makes a big difference in how sharp they look.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stiffener → It is formed from "stiff" (from Old English "stif", meaning firm or rigid) and "-ener" (a suffix used to indicate a person or thing that performs a specific action). The word "stiffener" refers to something that makes another object more firm or rigid.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes an object more 'firm' or 'rigid' — that's what a stiffener does.

Visually Confused Words